How to Avoid Buying a Lemon
The British used to use the word “lemon” to describe a standard of quality. By 1909, Americans had adopted this term to refer to something as an inferior product. Skip forward to the 60s, and cars that broke down constantly due to low-quality manufacturing were called lemons. In fact, lemon cars are so common that many states enforce laws to protect consumers from purchasing a car that might be dangerous.
However, lemon laws are tricky to navigate and sometimes end up costing more in legal fees than the actual car itself. You still need to be extra cautious when you want to buy a used vehicle. Don’t panic, because we’ve got the top red flags to look for when you’re hunting for a used car, so you don’t end up with a lemon.
Your Dealership Isn’t Genuine
There is a certain amount of customer service that should be expected when you step into the lot of a used car dealership. Of course, dealers are there to sell cars and earn a paycheck, but that doesn’t mean they should be solely focused on making a sale. The best used car dealerships are concerned with your needs and your budget.
Red Flag: You feel uncomfortable and pressured to buy a car you don’t want.
There Are Dents, Marks, and More on the Exterior
When you find a car you’re interested in, make sure you carefully inspect the exterior. Look for dents and scratches, or any other signs of damage. Experts recommend checking the shocks by firmly pressing on the front bumper of the car. If it springs back up, you’re good to go for a test drive. However, if the car doesn’t react to pressing the bumper, there’s likely something wrong with the shocks.
Red Flag: The outside of the car has damage that may lead to bigger problems in the future.
A Dealership Doesn’t Offer a History Report
The only way to know for sure if a used vehicle hasn’t had any serious damage is through a reputable vehicle history report. It will show you accidents and insurance claims, which bring your attention to any repairs made to the vehicle. Getting a history report is one of the best ways to make the car buying process stress free.
Red Flag: A seller is hesitant to give a car’s vehicle identification number (VIN), so you can’t get a history report.
The Interior Has Features That Don’t Work
Could you imagine a hot summer day without a working air conditioner or being stuck in a traffic jam without your favorite music? The interior features of a vehicle are very important for an enjoyable and peaceful commute. When you go to test drive a used car, make sure you test every dial, knob, and switch. If something doesn’t work, try to negotiate a lesser price or walk away.
Red Flag: Interior features don’t work and the dealer is unwilling to negotiate.
The Test Drive Was Super-Short
You need a long enough test drive to know how a vehicle handles at certain speeds, on tight turns, and in traffic. If a used car dealer won’t let you take a vehicle for a decent test drive, it often means they’re hiding something. Any reputable Ford Dealer in Dallas will allow you to reasonably test the features and driving capabilities of the vehicle you’re interested in.
Red Flag: The seller completely controlled your test drive, and you didn’t drive the car the way it would be driven on your daily commute.
There Are Signs of Poor Routine Maintenance Under the Hood
Even if you know little about cars, you can still check for obvious signs of disrepair under the hood. For instance, the engine, radiator, and battery should have very little corrosion and be relatively grease free. The belts and hose should look unworn, and you shouldn’t find any melted wires, tubes, or lines. Wet spots underneath the vehicle may show an oil leak.
Red Flag: A dealer is apprehensive to let you take a used vehicle to a mechanic for a second inspection.
What’s the Takeaway for Avoiding Lemon Cars?
While there are state and federal laws that protect you from purchasing a lemon, there is still a lot of work you need to do on your part. The first step in finding a high-quality used vehicle always starts with a reputable dealer who has a wide selection of vehicles to choose from. They’ll be able to find a car for you that fits your style, is reliable, and is within your budget.